Phytoma organizes the meeting "Present and Future of Phytosanitary Measures in Pistachio and Almond"

• The meeting will be held on April 28 and 29 at the IRIAF in Tomelloso (Ciudad Real)

The town of Tomelloso, in Ciudad Real, will become the world epicenter of nut research from April 28th to 29th . The International Meeting "Phytoma: Present and Future of Plant Health in Pistachios and Almonds" will bring together leading figures in the sector at the Auditorium of the Regional Institute for Agricultural and Forestry Research and Development of Castilla-La Mancha (IRIAF) . The event is particularly noteworthy for the participation of a delegation of four prestigious speakers from the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) , a leading US institution in global agronomic research.

The conference "Present and Future of Plant Health in Pistachio and Almond" is structured into four thematic blocks covering everything from agronomy to phytosanitary problems during storage. In addition to US experts, researchers from leading national institutions will participate, including IRIAF, IMIDA, IFAPA, IRTA, IVIA, the University of Córdoba, the Polytechnic University of Valencia, the University of Lleida, the University of the Balearic Islands, and the Polytechnic University of Cartagena, among others.

The first section will analyze agronomic aspects such as the use of cover crops to improve ecosystem services and weed management, as well as pollination by bees of the genus Osmia. Subsequently, the section dedicated to diseases will delve into established and emerging problems such as anthracnose, Monilinia laxa, Diaporthe amygdali , Verticillium wilt , bacterial spot, Xylella fastidiosa , Septoria , and
fungi of the Botryosphaeriaceae family.

Regarding pests, progress in the sustainable management of the almond wasp (Monosteira unicostata), the Eurytoma amygdali gall wasp, the Capnodis tenebrionis gall wasp, tetranychid mites, the green aphid, and the pistachio leafminer will be discussed. A session will also be dedicated to post-harvest sanitation, which is essential for preventing the appearance of aflatoxins and other mycotoxins harmful to human health.

Final section dedicated to advising

The event aims not only to present technical solutions but also to foster debate on the impact of European policies on soil health and biodiversity. The meeting will conclude with a panel discussion entitled “Current Situation and Perspectives for Nut Crop Advisory Services,” featuring experts who will discuss the current situation and future prospects for these crops, which are already a strategic pillar for agriculture in Castilla-La Mancha and the rest of Spain.